I was born in this courtyard in 1967.
SunFlowers were blooming outside.
My Father named me Zhang Xiangyang.
It means "facing the sun".
Come here, Xiangyang.
Come on, Xiangyang... over here...
Which one will he pick?
From that day on...
That decision destined me to be a painter.
My Father is a painter, too.
My Father was happy that I chose the paintbrush.
Get down!
Who did that?
Let's go.
This is no fun.
Someone's coming!
Little bastard! Think you can hide?
What were you doing up there?
I know it was you!
What?
I'm telling Dad!
Go ahead.
- How did your pants get ripped? - They're OK.
They were on the roof again!
I've told you a hundred times! You could get hurt up there!
I'll teach you!
Get over here!
Xiuqing...
Gengnian...
It's OK.
Xiangyang...
Come here.
This is your Dad.
Call him "Dad"!
Say it!
What happened to your head?
Nothing... Bumped it by accident.
Let's go home.
- Dad! - Do your homework.
Old Zhang? You're back?
Um, my hands are dirty, don't...
When did you come back? - Just now.
- You were gone... - Six years.
It must have been hard.
Is your problem all sorted out? - Not yet.
The important thing is that you're back.
I'll let you go. You better get your "welcome home" meal!
- Let me do it. - No, let me...
Why should we both get our hands dirty?
Xiangyang, your Dad is back.
Don't just eat, call him "Dad".
Come on!
It's OK. I just got home.
He'll feel comfortable saying it soon.
What are you doing to my mother?
Your Dad wasn't doing anything...
We were just playing around.
Go back to sleep.
Go to sleep.
Do your homework as soon as you finish eating, OK?
I won't be back for lunch.
You two make something for yourselves.
One, two, three... go!
I'm the highest...
Stop, enough...
OK, enough!
Go back home.
- Chicken! - You're chicken!
- Come here and get some more! - You come here!
Oh, look at the chicken!
Say that to my face! You're a chicken!
Give him a washboard to wash his underwear!
Go home!
Get your hands off me!
Let's go play.
Mom.
What are you doing?
I'm gonna plant some sunflowers.
Didn't you do enough farming at the work camp?
Xiangyang, go out and play.
It hurts the most when it rains.
Some times my hands shake so much I can't control them...
Can you still paint?
I've never tried.
I can do heavy work.
At the camp I learned how to plow...
and some carpentry.
I'll make us a sofa.
Who's damn child did this?
Come out!
What kind of parents raise a child this way?
- What's going on here? - Someone needs to take care of this?
I'm telling you - if no one takes responsibility,
I'll make them sorry for this! Look at his eye!
They almost blinded him.
Don't beat him, he'll be OK.
- This is OK? - What's wrong?
What's wrong?! Look at his eye!
- Did you do it? - No.
- What's in your pockets? - Nothing.
Empty them!
Anything else? - Nope.
I said everything!
I'll teach Xiangyang how to paint.
Teach him to paint? You're a painter, what good has it done you?
It's better than letting him get into trouble.
Xiangyang.
Take the pencil and draw a picture for Daddy.
What should I draw?
Whatever you like - an airplane, a cannon, a train, a car...
Let Daddy see.
Good job!
Wait a second... Let Daddy get a piece of paper for you.
Draw something else.
Take your time.
Hey...
What?
I need to go to the bathroom.
So go.
Paper, rock, scissors!
What should I draw?
Draw a picture of me.
I've gotta go to the bathroom, diarrhea!
One, two, three...
You just can't sit still for a minute!
All you can do is play!
Give them to me.
All of them!
Are you giving them to me or not?
No? I'll take them.
Stand still!
From now on, no more games.
Understand?!
You'll stay home and draw!
My tummy hurts... I need to go to the bathroom!
Bathroom? Stay right where you are!
I can't hold it!
Sit back down!
I'll do it in my pants!
Go ahead...
Really, I can't wait... Ow!
- Wash your pants. - No! It's your fault!
My fault?
Are you going to wash them or not?
No!
- I'll ask you one more time! - No!
- Yes or no? - No!
- You won't? - No!
- Still not going to wash them?! - No!
Still so stubborn!
I hate you. I wish you never came back!
You hate me!
Xiangyang!
- Did you see Xiangyang? - No.
Xiangyang!
This kid...
Where could he have gone?
I really don't know.
Xiangyang!
The little bastard wants to take me on.
From the day I came back...
I could see it in his eyes... He doesn't see me as his father.
He's just a kid, what does he know?
He just not used to you yet.
He is so stubborn.
Where do you think he could go?
Mom!
Earthquake!
Xiangyang!
Mom!
Xiangyang!
Jump off! Jump!
- I'm scared! - Xiangyang!
Quick, jump into my arms!
- I'm afraid... - I'll catch you!
Xiangyang, hurry up and jump!
Jump!
Look out! The wall!
According to the National Earthquake Research Center...
An unprecedented 7.5- Degree earthquake
struck the Tangshan region, strongly aFFecting Beijing.
Strong aFter-shocks are expected.
Where's Xiangyang?
Kitty...
Xiangyang, it's too dangerous here.
Come with Daddy. Let's go back into the tent...
What's wrong, Xiangyang?
He lost his cat.
It was probably just scared away.
It'll come back soon.
What if it doesn't come back?
I've got something to take the place of your cat.
It's fake. It can't even move.
How about now?
Let me try!
- Can I have it? - Take it.
Little Chicken Droppings!
Let me see it!
Quickly!
Xiangyang, be careful!
So many skills. A carpenter and an electrician!
I learned at the work camp.
Only one bucket of water one day.
We barely have enough water for cooking and washing our faces.
Our clothes are so dirty and I can't even wash them.
Leave them here.
Dad!
Dad...
Dumplings are done! Time to eat!
Come on, have some dumplings!
Delicious! It's like Chinese New Year.
Hey, everyone!
We don't need to eat dumplings in the dark!
Old Zhang, turn your light on!
Let's sing a song.
"Solidarity is Strength"!
Ready, go!
Solidarity is Strength. Solidarity is Strength...
The strength oF iron.
The strength oF steel.
Harder than iron and stronger than steel.
Don't move. Look at the bulb!
- Put them back! - Who are you accusing of stealing?
You took it from in front of our front door.
That's not stealing? - Who says they're yours?
I picked them up off the ground!
Picking them up in front of our house is stealing!
- Don't go around accusing people! - What's going on?
I caught her.
Our wood is going to be part of their home!
What gives you the "right" to say they're yours?!
They ARE ours. What "right" do I need?!
Look, everybody, take a look! No name written on this wood!
- Don't be ridiculous! - Who's being ridiculous?
Show me some proof!
I can vouch for them. The wood is theirs.
Old Zhang has been using it to build a sofa.
What business is this of yours?
Stop pretending to be their friend!
If you're wrong, it's anyone's business.
Why don't you stop pretending to be such a good person?!
What are you talking about?
You know exactly what I'm talking about.
So does everyone else.
Only you have your heads in the sand.
Why do you think you spent six years in the reform camp?
He reported you!
Let's go!
- It's the truth! - Get back in the house!
Get back inside!
Still think you're a hero? Don't push me!
I've tortured myself about it for all these years.
I know I've wronged your whole family.
They forced me to write an "appraisal".
I was the one who introduced you two to each other.
We were such good friends. I thought I could help.
I knew that you did nothing wrong...
I wrote everything I could.
I never thought that could be used as evidence against you.
I still don't understand what I could have written wrong.
I wouldn't try to harm you?!
Explaining now is useless.
There's nothing to say...
Except that I hope you can forgive me.
You and I are both painters.
You know what our hands mean to us.
I begged them to hit anywhere else on my body except my hands.
They didn't listen.
They stomped on my hand until it broke.
No doctors and no one cared.
My hands gradually healed, useless...
My whole life is broken.
I can't paint anymore.
I can't forgive you or anyone for this.
To all Party Members,
PLA soldiers and Chinese citizens...
Our great leader oF the Party,
Army and People...
The guide oF the international communist class...
Chairman oF Chinese Communist Party Central Committee
and the Chairman oF Central Military Committee,
Comrade Mao Zedong...
Passed away at 0... 10 am on Sept. 9, 1976.
The work unit has looked into your situation.
We're moving you out of the Art Department into the warehouse.
This is the best I can do for you.
I hope you will make the most of it...
Don't think too much about it,
at least you have something to do...
Don't drink too much.
Don't think too much.
Hi, Auntie!
Uncle! Xiangyang, movie starts soon. Coming?
Yeah!
You're not going anywhere until you finish drawing.
- Save a spot for me. - OK.
Done.
This is drawing?
You think you can put one over on me this way?
This is bullshit. Draw me another one!
The movie is starting. Can I draw it tomorrow?
What movie? What tomorrow? Draw it again - now!
No, I don't want to draw.
Everyone is at the movie, how come I can't go?
Draw it well or you can forget about going out!
Let him go...
No. If I let him get away with it today... He'll try this everyday.
What took you so long?
Anyone home?
Today, we're gathered here...
to cheer for the Party and our new Chairman!
We have smashed the Gang of Four
and stopped them from taking power.
No more Wang Hongwen, Zhang Chunqiao, Jiang Qing, Yao Wenyuan!
Long Live Chairman Mao Thought!
Overthrow the Gang of Four!
Support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party!
Throw it! Xiangyang! Quick, get rid of it!
Classmates. Xiangyang Zhang has put aside
all concern for his own safety and protected his classmates.
This is the kind of heroic behavior we should all look upon as a model.
The school grants him special entry into the Young Red Guards.
Xiangyang, look at me. Look me in the eyes.
- How much? - This one is 50 cents.
Two cards - one RMB.
This one is 50 cents.
This one is 80 cents.
How much is it?
This one costs one RMB.
- Dad! - You're back.
What's the situation with the new apartments?
Any news? - No.
You haven't been trying!
What good would that do? We have to wait!
Wait?! We need to do something.
Whoever is meant to get a new apartment
will get a new apartment.
Everyone is doing anything they can
to gain an advantage!
All over a few apartments...
Everyone in the troupe has lost their minds.
I don't want to join them!
You have to try!
Don't you think we should send the leaders some gifts?
Why! If it's meant to be then it's meant to be.
How can you be so stubborn?
What did you do today?
Our teacher told us to make some sketches of real life situations.
Let me see...
Not bad.
Xiangyang!
Don't run! Stay there!
Xiangyang!
We've gotta go! They're checking permits!
Stop!
Thanks!
Nope. On one condition.
What?
You have to show me what you've drawn.
Why would you want to draw me?
You skate well...
Tomorrow...
Go buy some cigarettes and some nice liquor
and give it to the Director.
This is for you.
Look at them together.
- When did you start drawing this? - The day I saw you in the red scarf.
You... really stood out.
Xiangyang!
Come on!
What happened?
He wouldn't take them?
No. I couldn't...
What if someone saw - it wouldn't look right.
Always worrying about saving face?
You are completely useless.
Don't be scared. Come on!
Watch out!
Help!
Give me your hand!
Take off your clothes? You'll turn into a popsicle!
Did you give Xiangyang any money?
No...
- Hi, how are you? - Good.
How was your class today?
We're still drawing sketches outside.
What does your teacher think of your work?
Fine. He says I have a pretty good grasp of portraits...
Bastard!
You haven't gone to class in over a month.
You have a lot of nerve.
Selling things on the street. Did you think we wouldn't find out?
You really are too much - lying to us everyday.
We spend all that money for you to go to the class
and you don't even appreciate it!
- I don't want to draw anymore! - What do you want to do?
I want to work.
Where did all that money in your pillowcase come from?
We made it selling greeting cards.
- What are you making money for? - Go into business.
Business? What does a little punk like you know about business?
What goes on in that head of yours all day long?
If you don't get into college, how can you do anything with your life?
Who says I can't be anything if I don't go to college?
I do. Look around!
What family doesn't have a kid in college?
Why can't you go too?
You just spend your days running around
goofing off with Chicken Droppings.
Who was that girl ice skating with you today?
- A classmate. - Classmate?
Is she your girlfriend? - No.
I'm warning you.
Don't try to fool us again.
You will continue drawing and you will go to college.
There's nothing to talk about.
From tomorrow, no more school.
You can study with me at work.
Come here.
Take a seat and draw.
What should I draw?
Draw me.
My Dad knows everything.
He watches me all day and took my money away.
- Are you still going to Guangzhou? - Of course.
Find out the price of train tickets.
We'll leave in the next couple of days.
Will your parents let you go?
I'm just gonna' go and see what happens.
Once I make some money... I won't have to worry about them anymore.
Won't they worry about you?
I'll write a letter when I get there.
Can I go?
Sure.
Will your parents let you go?
They won't mind.
They would love to see me with something to do.
Great, it's settled then!
We might have a shot at getting the apartment.
Really?
See! Sending presents helped!
The train leaves at three in the afternoon.
Hold onto the tickets for me.
Don't forget to tell Yu Hong.
I'll get the message to her.
Done.
Not bad.
You're more talented than your Dad.
Take a break. I'll go get us some lunch.
Old Liu, can I talk to you about something.
Sure, what is it?
I've told Liu Jun many times not to bother Xiangyang.
I can't control the kid.
You won't have to worry about it now.
He's going to Guangzhou to "see the world".
Since he is not cut out for studying, I agreed.
He's supposed to leave this afternoon.
He won't bother Xiangyang anymore.
I guess I can relax then.
Xiangyang, lunch time!
Xiangyang!
Did you bring the cards?
Aaah... I forgot.
Damn it!
What are we going to do on the train then?
- Stow your luggage. - OK.
Come with me.
Did you hear me?
I'm not going back.
Come back with me!
This is my business. It has nothing to do with you.
Come with me!
I'm not going back!
You can't go around grabbing people!
I'm his father!
I'm not going back...
Are you finished yet? One problem after another...
You think... you can just get up and go?
Going out into the world at your age?
Anything could happen!
What did we do to you to deserve this?
You'd just leave?
Where is your heart?
You'd worry us to death!
Do you hear me?
Smoke it. You're old enough.
I started smoking at your age.
I know you hate me.
You're my son and I have to do the things that I do.
You don't understand now - someday you will.
I began drawing when I was very young
and nothing good ever came of it.
Fate made me end up like this.
You're different.
You have talent...
and times have changed.
You'll be better.
We don't get very many chances in this life.
Mine are already gone.
I hope you are my second chance.
This afternoon they announced the housing.
Looks like we won't get one.
Old Zhang! Come quickly!
Your wife is screaming at the Troupe Leader!
Is my husband less senior?
Hasn't he been through enough?
Don't think we are so easy to bully!
You're taking advantage of honest people!
If you really respect him, show me.
My husband painted a portrait of Chairman Mao.
It was so large!
No one else would even try, and...
We know Old Zhang's professional...
Professional? What the hell is that?
Housing allotments are based on a lot of factors...
We get passed by every time.
Isn't it really about who cheats or who has connections?
I'm not leaving!
I can understand you're not satisfied...
- Don't tear that down... - I will!
You need to evaluate us again!
I won't leave until you do the right thing.
Enough! Don't make me lose any more face!
Come with me!
This is the final list of people with new apartments.
There are four sets with two bedrooms.
One goes to Sun Weimin.
One goes to Zhao Ping.
One goes to Qian Muhai.
The other goes to Zhang Gengnian.
I should explain about the last one.
It was slated for Old Liu but in a noble gesture...
He offered to give his up to Zhang Gengnian.
We praise this type of generosity.
Thanks, but I can't accept the apartment.
It should go to whomever it was meant for.
Why? It was right in your hands?
It's a matter of principle. The apartment did not belong to us.
Couldn't you accept the apartment and talk about your principles later?
There would be no principles to talk about!
All these years...
Why can't you even give Old Liu a step to sit on?
You just had to make your point.
That's right.
You're too selfish!
You only think of yourself, not what's best for the family!
Have I spent one comfortable day with you during all these years?
Marrying you was enough bad luck for eight lifetimes.
I'm sorry.
Old Liu.
I heard you didn't get the apartment after all.
Yeah, it was swindled away by Li Guoxing.
- This really wasn't fair to you. - It's OK.
My daughter is away at college and my son has gone down south.
I don't really need the apartment.
Letter for Zhang Xiangyang!
Follow me.
Letter for Zhang Xiangyang!
Yeah, here!
Thank you!
Yu Hong!
Yu Hong...
When did you come back?
You didn't even tell me?
What happened?
Why are you ignoring me?
Why did you send my drawings back?
Say something!
I know I didn't go to Guangzhou...
There was nothing I could do.
Say something! Please!
I don't want to see you anymore.
What did I do wrong?
Why do you want to break up with me?
Tell me what's happened!
Say something!
Tell me why!
Go ask your father.
What gives you the right to do this? What gives you the RIGHT?
I'm your father. It was something I had to do.
This is my business! Don't get involved!
Your business is our business.
I'm telling you - from this day on... I'll have nothing to do with you!
Say it one more time!
From today on, I'll have nothing to do with you!
I'm telling you. For the rest of your life...
We'll have everything to do with you!
You bastard!
You have gone too far!
Come back with me.
Come back with me...
Come back with me!
Come back with me...
Think you can run? You'll never get away! Never.
I'm going to ask you for the last time.
Are you sure there's no hope at all of saving things?
And you? Do you agree to a divorce?
Hi.
How are you?
- Grandpa Zhang! - Hi!
My period is several days overdue.
You think I might be pregnant?
How could you be?
I guess not.
We should probably pick up one of those kits.
It's me.
- What are you eating for dinner? - Noodles.
- Have some radishes too... - I am.
- Don't drink too much. - I'm not drinking.
I'm kind of busy right now.
Busy? Don't forget about tomorrow.
I know. Anything else can wait until tomorrow.
You appear to be showing early-phase Parkinson's disease.
There isn't really a cure, only preventive steps you can take.
This involves medication
and strengthening the affected muscles.
This month's salary.
Here.
How did the check-up go?
Fine.
How's your hand?
The doctor said there's nothing I can do for it.
Said I need to exercise...
I told you!
Don't coop yourself up in the house all day.
Get out and get some exercise. Look at me dancing everyday.
It really keeps my spirits up.
Are you listening to me?
Come on, have some chicken soup.
Come on, Xiao Han.
Six months from now, when the house is all sorted out...
Your Dad and I can get remarried.
He'll come live with me
and we will have very little to look forward to.
The only thing that really remains to be settled is...
You two need to have a child.
Again?
How come every time we get together
we have to talk about this.
Can we please talk about something else?
We're going to talk about this!
Why can't you two give a straight answer?
We still haven't decided.
What are you waiting for?
If you wait much longer,
it becomes difficult for a woman to have a child.
Right now is just not the time.
Neither of us can deal with it right now.
That's exactly why - we can still be of some help while our health is good.
We've got an apartment and nothing else to do,
we can take care of the child for you.
Enough. Let's not talk about this anymore.
When it's time to have a child, we will.
We can't talk about this, we can't talk about that!
Is it possible to share anything with you at all?
I just don't want to talk about the things
you two keep bringing up.
You have no interest in sharing anything with us.
As far as you're concerned, you could just do without us.
What's the point of even coming here? To have a meal?
It's perfectly alright if you don't come.
We don't need you to...
Dad.
What are you doing here?
I came by to say hello.
Something on your mind?
No, nothing. I just came to see you.
I bought you a "Bage" bird.
It can learn to say all sorts of things.
When you've got nothing else to do, you can play with it.
If you were really worried about me,
you'd give me a grandson instead of things like this.
Do you think I have nothing to do from morning till night?
I'm busy and don't have time to tend to this "present".
Take it away, I don't want it.
Haven't seen you in quite some time.
Did you come to see your Dad?
What happened with your Mom and Dad?
Did they really get divorced? - It's all fake.
A fake divorce?
Come on, sit down.
It was all for the apartment.
You know my Mom - how badly she wanted it.
They didn't know when my Dad's next housing allotment would be...
My Mom heard her co-workers were getting apartments.
She wasn't eligible while she was living with my Dad.
She came up with this idea...
Getting divorced until she got the place. They'll re-marry later.
The things people will do for an apartment...
- You've been Okay? - Fine, just fine.
It's just that I get a little lonely...
You ought to come by and visit your Dad more often.
He's getting older, no matter what he says,
it's hard being all alone.
I know.
I came to bring him this bird, hoping to cheer him up.
He kicked me out.
I've watched you two have it out with each other so long,
ever since you were born...
That Dad of yours is too stubborn.
There's no sense in taking the bird away.
Leave it here, I'll look after it for you.
That would be great.
I'm pregnant.
How could that be?
Was it... that time?
Who knows.
What do we do now?
What else can we do?
We'll get it taken care of.
Hello!
- Bye-bye! - Bye-bye!
Hello, hello!
Don't make trouble!
I'll kill you!
Get up!
Flood!
Get up! Flood!
Shit! My paintings!
It's all over.
My exhibition is only a few days away!
I've told you so many times -
why you guys insist on living in this dump?
It's so expensive.
Why don't you two just move in with me?
I got that apartment just for you, so we could live together.
Don't worry about us.
When I have enough money I'll buy an apartment.
Buy an apartment?
Where will you get the money?!
Don't touch!
It's not finished.
You'll see them at the exhibition.
Are you pregnant Xiao Han?
When did you find out? - We just found out.
Why didn't you tell us?
We've already decided not to have it.
What? Stop kidding around!
An abortion is so bad for your health... You can't do that!
We're really not ready.
This isn't the time for us to have a child.
There's never a good time!
Are you going to wait until we're dead?
That's not what I meant...
Important decisions like this, why can't you even consult us?
Do we even exist to you two?
This is our problem. We can decide ourselves.
What are we here for? Aren't we your family?
You're making too much of this.
We just don't want to have a child right now.
You're just determined to go against us, aren't you?
Why can't you have a child for us?
That's really selfish of you!
How is that selfish?
You're our son and we want you to have our grandchildren.
What's selfish about that?
You have always expected me to do what you want!
Ever since I was little, you forced me to study, to draw...
Now you want to force me to have a child!
I am your Dad!
That's right, you're my "Dad".
Thank you for raising me but I tell you...
You were never a good father!
You've never once asked me what I liked or what I wanted.
Every time I needed your help
the most you just threw cold water on me.
I've had enough!
This is our business and we will make our own decision.
I will never have a child for you two.
If we ever have a child it will be for us.
Why don't you want to have a child?
I've already told you why. I don't think now is the time.
I feel like you're just trying to spite your Dad.
You're using this to keep the battle going with him.
Maybe.
I just don't want to always have to do everything he tells me to...
Have you ever wondered about what my feelings were?
Don't you think that you're being a little selfish?
You've changed your mind?
It's not that I've changed my mind.
This affects both of us and I'll respect your decision.
I'd just like to think this through.
I hope that you're not just taking out your frustrations on your father.
No matter what you decide...
You have to make them understand.
Dad.
Xiao Han and I have given some serious thought to this.
We listened to what you and Mom said.
We've still decided to go for an abortion.
I know this breaks your heart
but we're not doing this just to oppose you.
I just think we really aren't ready to be parents.
Being a good father is very important to me.
Before I'm able to bear that responsibility, I don't want a child.
I hope you understand that.
Are you Han Jing?
Come with me.
You should stay here for the next couple of days.
I'll help you build up your health.
- Mom, I'm fine. - What do you mean "you're fine"?
If you don't take care of yourself,
you could have real problems later on.
You guys really are too much.
This could make it hard for you...
to have a child.
Xiangyang.
Call your Dad.
I can't have it...
There's no answer.
How could that be?
We speak on the phone every day at this time.
He should be home.
Maybe he just went out to visit someone?
Who could he visit?
Do you think something's happened to him?
Why would you think that?
Please go over there and have a look.
Hurry up and go.
Dad...
Dad!
Dad, what's wrong? Dad?
How many times have I told you not to drink too much?
You insist on drinking yourself drunk!
I'm not by your side now, what if something went wrong?
You really had me worried last night.
If it hadn't been for Xiangyang, I would have gone over there myself.
He came? Why?
How do you think you woke up in bed?
Why don't you just move in with me?
We can take care of each other.
I'm fine on my own.
I'd just end up bickering with you everyday.
Hey, our divorce was fake, remember?
I'm beginning to suspect you think it's real.
We made it official. Even if I did move in with you,
we'd still need to get married again first.
Why are you always so stubborn?
I can't live with you.
Okay.
When they tear that rickety old place down,
we'll see where you go.
Oh, this is an invitation to Xiangyang's exhibition.
The opening ceremony is tomorrow afternoon.
He told me to give it to you.
Tell him I'm not coming.
Can the two of you stop making everything so difficult?
You've lived to a ripe old age, can't you bend a little bit?
You have to go.
Is Dad here yet?
No, that old man really is too much.
Why don't you two go in now?
No problem - he has several days to come.
OK.
Hello...
Old Liu?
I killed you with one move...
If I had known...
I would've made the game last longer...
Now I'm really alone.
No one is going to play chess with me anymore.
Old partner, you and I had...
a pretty tough time of it...
In the end I never even gave you a chance.
You left like this...
I'm going to leave this chess board here.
Maybe someday we can play again.
Hello!
Bottoms up everyone!
What is with you today? You cooked!
Nothing special, I'm just happy.
I wanted the family to get together.
I also wanted to congratulate Xiangyang on his exhibition.
Come on, drink up!
Your paintings are really good.
Honestly, they inspire a lot of thought and show real depth.
I always said you would be somebody,
and I was absolutely right.
Here, let your Dad drink to you. - No, let me drink to you.
OK, let's eat.
Xiangyang, it's Mom.
I've been calling your Dad all night and he's not answering.
Go over to have a look.
Dad!
I always knew something would happen.
He's trying to punish me.
It's all my fault.
A divorce just for an apartment...
I was too obsessed...
and this is what I get!
Don't blame yourself, Mom.
We don't even know what's become of Dad.
Let's see...
if we can find any clues.
Mom...
Dad couldn't have...
No, this is for nerve deterioration.
By the time you hear this tape, I'll be gone.
Please don't worry, I haven't killed myselF.
I would never do such a thing.
Xiuqing, please Forgive me For not saying goodbye.
My whole liFe, you were my only love.
I was so happy with you, thank you For taking such good care oF me.
Xiangyang.
When you were little, you were deprived oF your Father.
I apologize For that.
When I came back and Finally saw you...
I swore that everything I did would be For you.
I wanted you to think the person
who loved you the most in the world was your Father.
I guess I didn't know how to love and teach a child at the same time.
I only knew how to do things my way.
You were right- I didn't make
the grade as a Father.
My whole liFe has been a Failure.
I knew you hated me For making you draw when you were little.
Now I see that I was right.
You are really talented and a better painter than I ever was...
It's already not easy to be a good Dad.
I don't know the real meaning oF "Father".
I hope that liFe will show you the answer.
I hope one day you can do better and can be a good Father.
I've run around For decades, bustling to work,
keeping busy at home...
I've never done anything For myselF.
I've figured it out.
The time that is leFt,
I want to go do something For myselF.
Don't worry about me and don't bother looking For me.
One Year Later
Come on!
Push!
Push harder!
Take a breath.
Hurry, a deep breath.
Hold a breath...
Take another breath, again...
The body is coming out.
OK, well done!
Good, don't breathe out.
Here it comes.
On that day...
It seemed that we could Feel that Dad was nearby...
He didn't come back.
Even though we don't know where he is...
It's enough that we know he is out there somewhere.
Watching us quietly.
Watching our child.